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Inspection tips

Packages have been in the Warre's for almost two weeks and taking the syrup heavy via the top feeders. Ladies seem happy and well bee-haved. Wanting to inspect the hives this weekend, check comb building, see if the queen is laying etc. Top bars are movable. Was wanting any pointers for Warre inspections. Views? Tips etc. Things to avoid.. open to it all....

Re: Inspection tips

I made two Warre Hives and a Octagon Warre Hive. I have gone in twice and really destroyed the hive both times. My problem was that I made the bars too short and they have fallen in both times. BE CAREFUL. In my case, I just hope they are able to build back quickly. I am not sure how to replace the top bars at this point. Big problem.

Re: Inspection tips

Thanks.. I did the inspection, but was careful not to remove any with substantially drawn comb. I removed 3, and got a good sense for how active thing were. I must say, the ladies have been hard at it! I should have a more direct view when the build down into the second box. I can look up through the screened bottom board.

Re: Inspection tips

Not sure about sugar water, I never use it. I can say during a big nectar flow they can build remarkably fast. I have a whole box packed to bursting with snowy white comb and capped honey. It only took them about three days.

Re: Inspection tips

Re: Inspection tips

I just bought my bees about a month ago. To really get them going you should feed them 1:1 ratio of water to sugar. I have five hives and I am using 7 pint glasses. They can go through that in about 2 days.

Re: Inspection tips

Thanks for the tip and thanks for checking out my blog.

I may feed later, I've read mixed things about sugar water. For now if I can leave them with plenty of honey that's the plan. One thing I do is give them back the leftover wax and honey from when I rob them in a top feeder. I figure if I don't need it might as well give it back to them.

Re: Inspection tips

Re: Inspection tips

Good discussion, I have three new packages in two Langs and one TBH and wonder the same thing. How much and how long. I am /have fed sugar water and Dadant food patties. At one point I became concerned about congesting the new brood comb with food supplies. But, now I am just feeding heavily. Right or wrong? Hard to tell. Hope some old hands see this thread and give some advice.

Re: Inspection tips

Something I read on M. Bushes site, if you feed dry sugar instead of sugar water they will only take it if they absolutely need it. Here in Virginia water is very abundant naturally so if I ever decide to feed sugar, the dry route is the way I will go.